GENEROUS West Country people are still pouring in money for an animal sanctuary’s new re-homing centre in Chard.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary launched its “New Digs for Dogs” £1million project for 2014/2015 in December 2013.

While £500,000 has been saved over many years for the new building, the remaining half-a-million still had to be found.

So far, over £459,000 has been raised, with the final push now underway to try to reach their goal.

Catherine Hansford, from Yeovil, decided to do something different to help the appeal and organised a virtual race.

Runners could choose to run wherever and whenever they liked.

This could be on a treadmill, outside on the pavement, or while running another race.

People could even contribute by walking a distance with their favourite four-legged friend.

In total, Catherine raised £225 for the appeal and there was an award ceremony held at Ferne’s café.

In addition, Sharron Down, from Axminster, held a coffee morning at her home.

She raised £162.07 from her penny box, raffle and bric-a-brac store.

Customers visiting Tesco, in Seaton, early in December helped volunteers raise a further £292.78 from collections outside the store.

A very well supported fun 60s Night, which included a home-cooked supper, was held at Tatworth Memorial Hall in Chard and raised another £463.

A further £1,000 donation was received by Jenny Wheadon, head of External Funding at Ferne Animal Sanctuary from Liz Selwood and Andy Benham at the Yorkshire Building Society, in Taunton.

Jenny said: “Everyone at Ferne Animal Sanctuary is so grateful to all those who are donating and organising events for our appeal.

“The ideas people have been coming up with to help the appeal are amazing – whoever would have thought a Virtual Race could be so much fun.

“My dancing shoes were definitely on for the 60s Night – it was fabulous!”

Fundraising packs for the appeal, details of how to donate and more information about all their events can be obtained by calling 01460-65214 or by visiting ferneanimalsanctuary.org